Do you track?

Do you track anything?

It’s the small things in life that end up making a big difference. This is true for your finances, for your relationships, your house work, and especially for your fitness.

The extra $20 you could save each week by deciding to bring your lunch two days versus eating out could help you save over $1,000 a year. Walking up and down the stairs at work versus taking the elevator could give your body an extra 5-10 minutes a day of movement, and over time that movement will not only make your legs stronger but also improve your cardiovascular system.

The single biggest difference you can make to improve your behaviors is tracking. Starting today, if you set out to improve an area of your life, you need a measure. You need to be fully conscious and aware of the actions you are currently taking (or not taking!). And this measure can come by a simple tracking system.

Since this is the Just Feel it Fitness blog, let’s go with the example of someone wanting to lose weight by working on their nutrition. (Who doesn’t want to lose a few pounds, right?) This is not complicated, and this will not take any more time out of your day than the time you spend brushing your teeth. Do you have an extra minute to spend brushing your teeth? If the answer is yes, then you have the time you need to start tracking. Just take a pen and piece of paper and keep it with you all day. Any time you put something into your mouth, write it down. There are plenty of apps and spreadsheets you can download to do this tracking in a fancy format that will break down calories/fat/etc.  But, all you really need is a piece of paper.

Once you become aware of what you are putting into your body, you might think twice before eating the entire row of cookies, or the entire bag of chips, or that second glass of wine. Write down everything: every candy from the receptionist jar, every sample you try at Trader Joe’s, every piece of bread you eat waiting for your meal, you get the point. Write it all down. Be aware. This awareness will help you. And when you start realizing what you are putting into your body without even thinking about it, you just might not eat it the next time because you don’t want to write it down!

Maybe you want to improve your finances, write down every time you buy something. Have a measure, know where you are spending. Whatever your category is that you want to improve, write down everything.
Try it for a week, and then another week, and then one more. It takes three weeks to make or break a habit, start this one today. I guarantee you’ll be amazed by the results.

Small, consistent behaviors over time can lead you to amazing results.

Have a great week,
Meryl

Sign up now for the February “LOVE YOUR BODY” Challenge Group.
We’ll be focusing on weight loss, nutrition, and accountability.
Email Meryl.Marciante@gmail.com for more info on how to sign up.

Featured Recipe

Blueberry Minute Muffin

1/4 cup ground flax
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp sweetener of choice (I used stevia)
1/4 cup blueberries

Mix everything together in a coffee mug or microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for a minute. Dump out onto a plate.

This came out perfectly fluffy and delicious for a gluten free muffin!